Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Knoxville City Council is considering nearly $300,000 in funding agreements to support local nonprofits that serve people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Much of the funding would go to the Volunteer Ministry Center (VMC), which reports a growing demand for services across the city.
VMC CEO Tracey Williams said roughly 2,000 people in Knoxville are seeking housing services or are already homeless on any given day. She said wait times to secure housing have nearly doubled over the past year.
“A year ago, it may have taken five or six months to get you into housing,” Williams said. “Now, we’re up to about 11 months to a year or more.”
City leaders are considering two agreements with VMC totaling up to $94,720. The funding would support the organization’s resource center, dental clinic and rapid rehousing efforts.
Williams said the funding is especially critical as pandemic-era financial support has run out. She added the money would help cover contract dental services as demand increases.
Clinic director Paula Mays said more people are seeking care without access to regular dental services, often arriving with severe pain or long-term issues.
City Council is also weighing up to $65,000 for the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee to expand rapid rehousing programs. Officials say those services are in high demand, particularly among single mothers and young adults ages 18 to 24.
The council is scheduled to vote on the funding agreements during its meeting Tuesday evening.
